Protective Coatings

Protective coatings are applied to parts and structures with the purpose of isolating them and preventing the materials from reacting with external elements. Such may be external gasses, liquids or solid elements and they may cause the material with which they react to deteriorate. Protective coatings include paint, coatings that are resistant to corrosion, chemical finishes, managed surface finish processes, polymer coatings, Teflon coatings. Each coating is designed with a certain objective in mind. Some protective coatings may ensure protection from salt damage, others are resistant to scratches and some may be appropriate for indoor applications that may lose gloss when it comes to mirror finished metals unless a coating is used.

Metal objects can suffer damages due to exposure to sun, salt air, acid rain, moisture and protective coatings can be applied to prevent such deteriorations. Protection against fire may also be ensured. There are protective coatings with aesthetic value, since they can be used to rejuvenate the color and luster of assemblies made of aluminum or steel that has faded. Also protective coatings that are graffiti resistant may be found. Surfaces that have a coating applied on them may also stay clean for a longer time and fingerprints and smudges may be reduced.

When choosing among protective coatings, certain engineering and design considerations must be taken into account. Commonly you should be aware of the pressure requirements, operating temperature, material compatibility, manufacturing costs. Also to be considered are surface roughness, durability and industry regulations. Certain protective coatings may be applied additionally over a layer of another coating, depending on what the desired result is. Usually it is important to ensure proper ventilation when applying the coating. The time necessary for the residual smell to disappear depends on the coating that is used.

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